Another thing you might want to try, OP, if you have the tickly cough with sore throat- black strap molasses. Get yourself a teaspoon of that stuff and eat it slowly letting it dissolve in your mouth. It really helps soothe, but the flavor is hard for alot of people to take, so eat it slowly.

Also, be careful if you have any serious heart issues or take magnesium supplements, as molasses has nutrients which are not safe with those issues.